Gillieston Heights (NSW)

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According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address datasets verified by Districts subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Gillieston Heights has an estimated resident count of 5,818 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,022 people (21.3%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered a population of 4,796 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 5,718, which was determined by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) alongside 452 validated new addresses identified since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 493 persons per square kilometer, which offers plenty of space per resident and capacity for additional urban expansion. The 21.3% growth rate recorded in the suburb of Gillieston Heights since the 2021 census outstripped the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the state overall, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the area was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly of all population increases in recent times, though all demographic components including natural growth and overseas migration registered positive trends.

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Gillieston Heights features a balanced labor force consisting of white and blue collar workers, with solid representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of just 3.9%, and an estimated 2.5% rise in jobs over the past year, according to Districts compilations of regional statistics. As of March 2026, 2,871 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.2% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, and the labor force participation rate substantially higher than typical levels (70.4% compared to 60.6% in Regional NSW). Census details show that a moderate 18.9% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be taken into account.

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According to the latest postcode level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Gillieston Heights has a median taxpayer income of $62,697 and an average of $77,797. These figures are very high on a national scale, contrasting with a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215 in Regional NSW. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,167 (median) and $85,826 (average) as of March 2026. Census figures show that household, family, and personal incomes in Gillieston Heights are positioned around the 68th percentile nationally. The data indicates the largest group comprises 41.5% of residents (2,414 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, echoing trends in the wider region where are in this category. High housing costs take up of earnings, yet solid income levels keep disposable earnings at the st percentile, and the area's SEIFA income score falls in the th decile.

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The mix of dwelling types in Gillieston Heights at the time of the latest Census was 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings (semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing types), compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership rates in Gillieston Heights were lower than the Regional NSW average, standing at 19.0%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (42.4%) or rented (38.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,950, which was significantly higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $430, compared to $330 in Regional NSW. Nationally, mortgage costs in Gillieston Heights exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially higher than the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 79.2%, consisting of 38.4% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 20.8%, which includes single person households at 18.6% and group households at 2.0%. The median household size of 2.8 people exceeds the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The locality shows educational disparities, with university graduation rates (16.5%) sitting substantially below the NSW state average of 32.2%. This presents a challenge as well as a chance for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 11.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these fields, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (33.9%).

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Public transport studies show 27 active transport stops in service within Gillieston Heights, consisting of various bus options. These stops are connected to 21 distinct routes, which combine to offer 264 passenger trips each week. Transit accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents living an average of 199 meters from the closest transport stop. Due to the area's residential nature, the vast majority of working residents travel out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary choice at 97%. Motor vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per household. Approximately 18.9% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health indicators point to notable difficulties in Gillieston Heights, based on Districts assessments of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, with the prevalence of common health issues visible in both younger and older demographics, while the level of private health insurance coverage is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~3,354 people). This contrasts with 51.9% across Regional NSW.

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Gillieston Heights exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity, with 90.2% of its population born in Australia, 92.8% holding citizenship, and 92.8% using only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 48.3% of the community. However, the most visible relative difference is in the Other category, which represents 1.1% of residents compared to 0.8% across Regional NSW.

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The median age in Gillieston Heights is 30 years, which is substantially younger than the Regional NSW average of 43 and also below the national median of 38. Compared to Regional NSW, Gillieston Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (21.1%) but fewer residents aged 65 - 74 (6.0%). This concentration of 25 - 34 year-olds is well above the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 15.8% to 16.9% of the population. In contrast, the 0 to 4 age group has decreased from 10.8% to 9.9%. Demographic models indicate the age distribution in Gillieston Heights will change considerably by . The to age bracket is projected to experience the highest growth at , adding residents to reach a total of .

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Gillieston Heights currently has an estimated 575 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 274 children aged 0-2 and 182 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 79% by 2041 (to approximately 1,029 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 670. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 13.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.